Party time at pop up exhibition

The return to Wellington after a 12-month hiatus of a unique exhibition of four of the region’s best artists was a triumph for Watermark director Dean Proudfoot and his fellow exhibitors.

Alongside Dean, ‘Four at the Portrait’ - named this year after the venue’s normal occupant, The National Portrait Gallery - featured Jason Hicks, Michele Bryant and Lynne Sandri, who also organised the show.

‘The exhibition is very much of the ‘pop up’ variety, which adds to the excitement,’ says Dean. ‘It opens on Thursday with a sponsors’ evening, an artists’ opening on the Friday night and is packed down on the Saturday.’ 

With the country’s economic woes trundling on, Dean felt buyers would appreciate an air of optimism in his work. "I wanted to make the works as accessible as possible, and be bright and positive,’ he says. ‘I think everyone is tired of the doom and gloom  that's around.’

All the exhibitors sold well, with Dean selling 11 of the 15 works he had on display.

‘You’re always surprised by what moves and what doesn't and I'm always learning from what people respond to.’

Dean attributes the show's consistent success to Lynne Sandri’s organisation and tireless energy.

‘She's amazing,’ he says. ‘There is so much that goes on behind the scenes to make this work, I don't know how she finds the time to produce her beautiful works.’ 

The opening night for event sponsors Ricoh set the tempo for the exhibition with around 250 guests enjoying live music, food by Wellington restaurant institution, Logan Brown, and the region’s best wines from co-sponsors Wines From Martinborough.

The following night, around 700 guests were able to discuss the works with the artists and the wines with the cream of Martinborough winemakers. The event was such a success it left many lamenting it would be another 12 months before the next one.

Dean's  work already appears in a number of prestigious private collections including the James Wallace Trust and The Musemun Hotel. For more examples of Dean's painting visit Smyth Galleries in St Mary's Bay, Auckland.

If your interested in any of the unsold pieces (marked Buy Now) please contact Dean Proudfoot directly.